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Statement by The Premier - Update on The Commercial Agriculture and Fisheries Grant Policy
Madam Speaker, I rise today to inform this Honourable House, and the people of the Virgin Islands, of the Government’s approval and implementation of the Commercial Agriculture and Fisheries Grant Policy, entitled “From Land and Sea to Enterprise: Unlocking the Economic Potential of Agriculture and Fisheries.”
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Ministry Of Education Officials Discuss School Violence
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie de Castro, announced that her ministry is reviewing the Education Act to address violence in schools. She emphasized the importance of strengthening the act to provide necessary support for education in the Territory. The ministry is also using various disciplinary measures to ensure students continue their education while receiving support inside and outside school hours. Chief Education Officer Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe discussed the ministry’s "wrap-around approach," providing resources to students and their families to address behavioral issues. She stressed the commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment for all students. Inspector Rudolph Bobb from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force highlighted the increased police presence in schools and random student searches to prevent misconduct. He encouraged parents and students to seek assistance from the Family and Juvenile Unit to prevent serious legal consequences. The full Public Eye programme discussing these issues is available on the Government’s Facebook page.
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Reservoir Meter Installation - A Critical Step Towards Sustainable Water Management in the Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands has begun installing high-capacity water meters at 11 reservoirs as part of the Water Optimisation Programme, running from May 27 to June 25, 2025. Led by the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency, the project will improve water monitoring, leak detection, and resource management, helping to ensure a more efficient and sustainable water supply. The $281,412.82 contract was awarded to Control Technologies Barbados Limited. This initiative supports national goals for resilient infrastructure and reliable water access.
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British Virgin Islands Concludes Successful Sponsorship of Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) successfully concluded its role as the exclusive Caribbean Destination Sponsor of the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix, held June 7–8, 2025, at Governors Island. This marked the final stop of SailGP’s American circuit and allowed the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission to highlight the territory’s premier luxury sailing and tourism offerings to a global audience of over 10,000 attendees. Building on its previous engagement in San Francisco, the BVI used the high-profile event to reinforce its position as a top-tier sailing destination, showcasing its stunning waters, vibrant culture, and commitment to sustainable tourism.
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BVI Restaurant Week Returns Bigger and Bolder, Spotlighting Tortola’s Culinary Scene
The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission is excited to announce the return of BVI Restaurant Week, happening from 28 June to 5 July 2025. As part of the BVI Food Fete Culinary Series, this vibrant event celebrates Tortola’s diverse food scene with curated dining experiences, themed days, and prix-fixe menus at nearly 40 participating restaurants. Under the theme “Your Belly Knows Best ~ The Perfect Week for Perfect Dining,” the week will feature local ingredients, cocktails, entertainment, and a “Foodie Passport” prize giveaway to encourage exploration. Restaurant Week is the third event in the BVI Food Fete series and reinforces the BVI’s growing appeal as a top destination for culinary and cultural tourism.
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Reservoir Meter Installation - A Critical Step Towards Sustainable Water Management in the Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands has begun installing large-flow, high-capacity water meters at 11 reservoirs as part of a major step toward sustainable water management. Starting May 27, 2025, and expected to finish by June 25, 2025, these smart meters will enable the Water and Sewerage Department to precisely measure water inflows and outflows, improve contract management, forecasting, and resource allocation, and help detect leaks to minimize water loss. This initiative, overseen by the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) on behalf of the Ministry of Communications and Works, is part of the broader Water Optimization Programme aimed at creating a more efficient, reliable, and resilient water infrastructure. The project supports national development goals and follows earlier efforts such as leak detection training for local plumbers. Residents are advised to monitor official channels for updates on any water service interruptions during installation.
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Transportation Services from June 11 to 25
The public is informed that free transportation will be available for residents in the East End and Paraquita Bay/Hodge's Creek areas during the temporary road closure in Hodge's Creek. From June 11 to June 25, Lebo Taxi Services (TX-774) will operate three weekday round trips via Ridge Road, with pick-up and drop-off points near Fine Foods Supermarket, Fat Hogs Bay, and HLSCC, Paraquita Bay. The daily schedule is 8:45 AM, 2:00 PM, and 8:30 PM, all starting from Fine Foods.
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BVI Tourism Summer Internship Programme Off to a Strong Start
The July cohort of the 2025 BVI Tourism Summer Internship Programme has concluded with enthusiastic reviews from student participants and praise from partner hospitality businesses.
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Public Service Debt Report for the Second Quarter of 2025
The Government of the Virgin Islands (GoVI) currently holds fifteen standard loans with four creditors: three domestic (CIBC Caribbean, Republic Bank, and the Social Security Board) and one external (Caribbean Development Bank). Domestic debt totals $71.77 million (47.1% of total debt), while external debt with CDB accounts for $80.49 million (52.9%). Most of the debt (79.2%, or $120.62 million) carries floating interest rates, primarily with SSB, CIBC, and CDB, while the remaining 20.8% ($31.64 million) is fixed-rate debt held across all creditors.
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284 Excellence Film Festival
The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission has announced the inaugural 284 Excellence Film Festival (284XFF), set for October 30 to November 2, 2025, aiming to bridge Caribbean literature and cinema. With the theme “Caribbean Literature in Motion: Caribbean Stories Reimagined,” the festival will showcase global films while spotlighting Caribbean narratives adapted for the screen. Featuring national, regional, and international competitions, as well as student and youth challenges, the event fosters creative collaboration and cultural exchange. Supported by major international film festivals and hosted in the BVI, 284XFF positions the Territory as a cinematic hub while empowering local and regional talent.